Some of the differences are based on objective factors beyond anyone’s control: for instance, the coldest states have high heating needs, while the hottest states use a lot of air conditioning. Other differences may be based on policies and measures that have lowered emissions in some states, and could be replicated in others.
Identifying the causes of interstate differences in emissions may also help clarify the potential regional impacts of policies, such as a cap and trade system, which put a price on carbon emissions.
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